For carers

For carers

An INS approach means that we recognise that caring for a loved one with a long-term neurological condition can be challenging. It can lead to social isolation, additional stress and reduced health and wellbeing.  If you are providing unpaid care and support to an adult with a long term neurological condition INS can offer you support and advice.

You may not think of yourself as a carer but if you are looking after and support your partner, parent, relative or friend who is ill or disabled then you are a carer.

How to look after yourself - Insight from a carer

As a carer it is often difficult to find time for yourself, take a break or enjoy old hobbies and interests. As a carer sleep can suffer, eating become unhealthy and overall wellbeing suffers. By offering carer support, befriending counselling and group activities; INS aims to address carer’s needs and enable them to continuing caring for their loved ones. 

Once your carer referral is accepted we will write to you to let you know. A member of the team will arrange to visit you at home. We will discuss with you how INS might be able to help. INS works with other organisations to ensure that carers can access a wide range of additional support. For example, with your consent we will also refer you to either Richmond Carers Centre or carers support services in Hounslow.

You may have become a carer suddenly; perhaps the person you care for had a stroke or head injury or your role may change over time if the person you care for has a progressive condition such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. INS can support you in a number of ways. Our range of services for carers includes training, education, support and respite. Services may be delivered in one to one sessions or in groups and are tailored to meet the carer’s needs.

Carers who receive our services (or the person they care for) normally live in the London boroughs of Richmond or Hounslow.

Ten Reasons for Carers to Write - Catherine Jessop

Catherine Jessop is a writer and carer for her husband Alan, who has a permanent brain injury following a year in hospital with encephalitis. Catherine’s book, Pulling Through: Help for Families Navigating Life Changing Illness, aims to help anyone with the challenge of becoming a full-time carer.

Recently Catherine gave a talk at our INS Carers Week Hub, discussing the therapeutic effect of writing. You can read more about Catherine's journey, and advice for writing and getting published, by clicking here

Click here if you would like to purchase Catherine's book, Pulling Through: Help for Families Navigating Life Changing Illness